It’s that time of the year when the air is crisp, homes glimmer with twinkling lights, and music brings a sense of warmth to even the coldest nights. Chandra, a band synonymous with cheeky, melody-driven pop-rock, has unwrapped the perfect seasonal anthem with “Christmas Hugs” released today, November 22nd. Bursting with infectious joy, soulful instrumentation, and a heartfelt message, this is a sonic embrace. Chandra isn’t your typical band; they’re an ever-present force of unfiltered musical joy. Led by the charismatic frontman and guitarist Chandra Nair, the band includes Chris Wong on bass and Keith Jones on drums. Known for their catchy hooks and lyrical storytelling, they have carved out a niche that fuses unapologetically fun pop-rock with poignant undertones. Following the success of their August EP Lifted, “Christmas Hugs” solidifies their reputation for crafting songs that both entertain and uplift.
“Christmas Hugs” starts with a recognizable flourish: the opening bars of Joy to the World set the stage with warm familiarity. This playful nod to a Christmas classic segues seamlessly into the band’s signature style, blending soul-inspired rhythms with twinkling holiday embellishments. As the festive bells fade, a lively drumbeat takes center stage, accompanied by a groove-laden bassline and jubilant guitar riffs that feel like Christmas morning unwrapped in sound form.
“It’s the time of year when everything’s all of a glow. I just can’t wait to go home, get my Christmas on.” With these opening lines, Chandra captures the universal longing for the holidays—a time when the stresses of everyday life give way to the promise of warmth, family, and celebration. The imagery is vivid and relatable: office workers yearning to clock out, holiday jumpers as garish as they are endearing, and the magic of Home Alone marathons. The recurring refrain, “With a ho-ho and a cherry nose, I’m giving out my Christmas hugs for free,” is delightfully infectious, encouraging us to embrace the season’s spirit of goodwill.
Chandra Nair’s voice is the heart of this festive masterpiece. His spirited delivery strikes a balance between playful exuberance and soulful sincerity, making every word feel like an invitation to join in the celebration. The harmonies are lush and dynamic, with backing vocals that enhance the song’s communal vibe, as though the entire band is gathered around a crackling fire.
The production is a gleaming example of how to marry tradition with innovation. Christmas bells and jingles are woven throughout, giving the track an undeniable holiday feel. The bassline is warm and groovy, grounding the festive flourishes with a soulful depth. The drums drive the song forward with an upbeat energy that will have listeners clapping along, while the subtle guitar melodies shimmer like tinsel on a tree. The inclusion of gospel-inspired claps and chants during the bridge elevates the track into a joyful crescendo, embodying the spirit of togetherness.
True to Chandra’s style, “Christmas Hugs” isn’t just about festive cheer. As Nair explains, the song carries a poignant message about human connection and the power of kindness: “It’s as if people give themselves permission to be more friendly, more charitable, and more forgiving.” By celebrating this transformation, the song becomes a reminder to carry the spirit of Christmas throughout the year.
Overall, “Christmas Hugs” is more than a festive anthem—it’s a celebration of the human spirit, wrapped in Chandra’s unmistakable sound. From the nostalgic nods to Christmas classics to its modern, melody-rich soul, this song is destined to become a seasonal favorite. So, grab your sweater, gather your loved ones, and let Chandra’s musical embrace remind you what the holidays are all about. Merry Christmas, everyone—ho, ho, ho!
Listen to “Christmas Hugs” by Chandra on Spotify and watch the video with the above link.
You can follow Chandra here for more information.
